Seven Law alumni honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medals

The Faculty of Law proudly congratulates seven of its alumni who were chosen by The Honourable Anita Neville, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba to receive King Charles III Coronation Medals. These distinguished individuals were among 55 outstanding Manitobans who were honoured at a formal ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building on October 24, 2025.

“The King Charles III Coronation Medal program was established by the Government of Canada to mark His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation on May 6, 2023, and is a tangible way to recognize significant contributions and achievements of citizens of all cultures, backgrounds and identities across our country, while also honouring His Majesty’s service to Canada,” said Neville. “The medal will highlight themes that both King Charles III and Canadians hold dear including service; the environment and sustainability and our nation’s diversity.”

The celebrated Faculty of Law alumni include:

• Gail Sheryl Asper, OC, OM, LLD [LLB 1984]
• Jennifer Judith Jones, MSM [LLB 1999]
• Chief Justice Glenn D. Joyal, CJ [LLB 1986]
• Chief Judge Ryan Peter Rolston, CJ [LLB 1999]
• Harvey Lyon Secter, CM, OM, LLD [LLB 1992]
• The Honourable Murray (Mizana Gheezik) Sinclair, CC, OM, MSC [LLB 1979]
• Lieutenant Commander (Ret’d) Nicholas Slonosky, CD [LLB 1979]

Gail Sheryl Asper, OC, OM, LLD [LLB 1984]

As President of The Asper Foundation, Gail Asper was responsible for spearheading the development of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Canada’s 5th National museum. The museum celebrated its 10th Anniversary in September 2024. She has also devoted much of her life to volunteering in the general, Jewish and artistic communities and is particularly proud of how her efforts and philanthropy have helped stabilize, strengthen and support Manitoba’s renowned artistic community.

Jennifer Jones, MSM [LLB 1999]. Photo by Tracey Goncalves.

Jennifer Judith Jones, MSM [LLB 1999]
Jennifer Jones is one of the world’s most accomplished athletes in curling; she is a seasoned and versatile lawyer; a motivational speaker; a dedicated community volunteer and a loving mother. As an athlete, Jennifer’s career is distinguished as an Olympic and world champion and for being a role model to aspiring athletes and all Canadians. Jennifer currently serves on the board of Special Olympics Canada, working to ensure inclusiveness for Canadians with intellectual disabilities.

Chief Justice Glenn D. Joyal, CJ [LLB 1986]. Photo by Tracey Goncalves.

Chief Justice Glenn D. Joyal, CJ [LLB 1986] Chief Justice Joyal has almost 25 years of judicial experience and almost 15 years in positions of court leadership. He has served on all three levels of court in Manitoba. In addition to his administrative duties, he continues to preside regularly on significant criminal, constitutional, civil and administrative matters in both English and French.  Under his leadership, the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench was one of the first courts in Canada to initiate significant and comprehensive efforts connected to judicial reconciliation with Manitoba’s Indigenous communities.  Chief Justice Joyal has implemented and continues to oversee important initiatives and foundational reforms in the areas of court modernization and access to justice, particularly as it relates to case flow and scheduling in criminal, civil, child protection, and family proceedings.  He is the first vice-chair of the Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) and chairperson of the CJC’s Judicial Conduct Committee.  With an interest in theatre, he has written plays that have been both staged and published in English and French. Chief Justice Joyal is fluent in English, French and Italian.

Chief Judge Ryan Rolston, CJ, BA, LLB [LLB 1999]. Photo by Tracey Goncalves.

Chief Judge Ryan Peter Rolston, CJ, BA, LLB [LLB 1999]
Chief Judge Rolston believes that a child’s community plays a significant role in determining what kind of adult they will become. He is proud to have mentored many exceptional young people over the years, from whom he says he has learned as much as he has taught. Professionally, he is honoured to have been entrusted to defend the rights of the vulnerable who could not speak for themselves, the power of the state to prosecute, and the tremendous task of sitting in judgment.  Rolston acknowledges the important and historical task of reconciliation, and is committed to using his voice and contributing however he can.

Harvey Secter, CM, OM, LLD [LLB 1992]. Photo by Tracey Goncalves.

Harvey Lyon Secter, CM, OM, LLD [LLB 1992]
Following a career in business, Harvey Secter was appointed Dean of Law and then Chancellor of the University of Manitoba. He has been recognized for a decades long commitment to organizations dedicated to increasing access to quality services in education, health care, social services, and recreational facilities while motivating others to engage in building an inclusive and welcoming society. Secter led campaigns and served on boards of the United Way, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Law Society and Manitoba Law Foundation, several hospital boards, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, the University of Winnipeg, and the University of Manitoba.

The Hon. Murray (Mizana Gheezik) Sinclair, CC, OM, MSC [LLB 1979]
The Honourable Murray Sinclair is a former member of the Canadian Senate and a First Nations lawyer who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada from 2009 to 2015. He was the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba, serving from 1988 to 2016 and served in the Senate of Canada from 2016 to 2021.

Lieutenant Commander (Ret’d) Nicholas Slonosky, CD [LLB 1979]. Photo by Tracey Goncalves.

Lieutenant Commander (Ret’d) Nicholas Slonosky, CD [LLB 1979]
Nick Slonosky, a respected lawyer, is celebrated for his leadership and dedication to community service. As a Naval Reserve Officer, he served as Aide de Camp to six Lieutenant Governors of Manitoba for over three decades. His commitment also extends to supporting various causes, serving as a director of numerous non-profits, and an educator at the Faculty of Law and supervisor at the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic and the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts. There, he tirelessly supports law student education, delivery of free legal help, fostering growth and making a lasting impact on the community.

The event can be viewed by the public and media at Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba – YouTube.

Read the complete list of names of the lieutenant-governor’s recipient names and bios.

Learn more about the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Story submitted by Faculty of Law